The following statement is attributable to AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett:
Today, with permission of the National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC) in Iraq, the AFP has released an arrest photo of Kazem Hamad.
I want every offender connected to Hamad or his syndicate to look long and hard at this photo.
And I want to be very clear - just because Hamad is in custody, the AFP's job is not done.
Iraqi authorities made an independent decision in January to arrest Hamad after launching their own criminal investigation.
The AFP can confirm Hamad remains in custody in a secret location in Iraq.
The AFP is supporting this independent Iraqi investigation and is providing relevant operational information that relates to crimes the AFP believes Hamad or his syndicate have committed or directed in Australia.
The AFP again travelled to Iraq last week to provide further assistance. Key investigative information was also shared with the AFP.
While the Iraqi investigation continues, the AFP remains committed to Operation Carmen, our investigation into Hamad and his syndicate.
The AFP suspects the syndicate is operating in five states and one territory in Australia.
Due to Hamad's arrest, a lack of leadership, infighting, and dysfunction within the syndicate is creating new opportunities for investigators attached to Operation Carmen.
The AFP will use every partnership, capability, and legislative power to dismantle this dangerous syndicate and identify every single individual who is linked to this crime gang.
The AFP will work closely with state and territory law enforcement agencies which have had significant success in arresting, disrupting and charging alleged syndicate members.
Members of the public who would like to share information about Hamad or the syndicate can call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
